Old-School Elegance: Hosting a Garden Party with Antique Charm

English Gardens
2 days ago
2 min read

Summer is finally here, but it is important to make the most out of it as it can end quickly (and dramatically!). There are few better ways to celebrate the warmer months than hosting a garden party. Surrounding yourself with loved ones, food, and entertainment in your own backyard is a wonderful feeling that epitomizes everything great about this season. Here are a few ways to host a garden party that has antique charm and old-school elegance.

Set the Scene with Vintage Decor

First, you want to create a nostalgic ambience by using antique finds and second-hand treasures to decorate your outdoor space. Think mismatched teacups, lace tablecloths, ornate serving trays, and floral china. You can also add bunting, old wooden crates for display, and weathered garden furniture for that countryside heritage feel.

Classic Dress Code & Vintage Fashion

Of course, the dress code has a huge impact on how a party looks and feels. Encourage your guests to dress the part with nods to 1920s-1960s styles. Think linen suits, floral tea dresses, pearls, and wide-brimmed hats. This will set the tone and add a visual theme that makes your party feel like a step back in time. Dynasty, The Great Gatsby, and Glass Onion can all serve as style inspiration for your guests.

Music & Entertainment with a Retro Spin

Music and entertainment are also key considerations when throwing a garden party with antique charm. Try swapping Spotify for vinyl with a classic record player or turntable to play jazz, swing, or 70s disco, depending on your vibe. If you can get your hands on a portable gramophone, even better. You can also create a vinyl corner where guests can pick the next vinyl record - a great conversation starter!

Food & Drink with a Vintage Flair

Serve classic garden party fare, such as finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and Victoria sponge cakes. Display drinks in crystal decanters or vintage glass bottles with a lemonade station with old-fashioned paper straws and retro cocktails like Pimm’s or gin fizzes to elevate the theme. Of course, it is hard to go wrong with the current viral M&S strawberry cream sandwich for old-school elegance!

Games & Photo Opportunities

Finally, bring back traditional lawn games like croquet, boules, or ring toss for vintage fun. You could also set up a vintage-style photo booth using a Polaroid camera, a floral arch, or an antique armchair with props like gloves, fans, and hats for guests to play dress-up.

Nothing beats a summer garden party with friends and family, especially when you have a party with old-school elegance that reminds of a simpler time. The advice in this post should help you plan the perfect summer garden bash with vintage charm that will have your guests reminiscing for the rest of the year.

This is a collaborative post and the author's views do not necessarily reflect those of our blog. We may receive monetary compensation for our endorsement and or recommendations